Geological evolution of a complex basaltic stratovolcano: Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna's geological evolution is characterized by four distinct phases of eruptive activity, spanning from 500 ka to the present. The study, based on a new stratigraphic model and 40Ar/39Ar age determinations, reveals that the volcano transitioned from scattered fissure-type eruptions in a foredeep basin (Basal Tholeiitic Supersynthem) to the formation of a lava shield (Timpe Supersynthem), followed by central-type activity (Valle del Bove Supersynthem). The most intense phase, around 57 ka, saw the development of a stratocone that filled paleovalleys. The final phase, beginning 15 ka ago, marked the formation of Mongibello volcano, characterized by recurrent flank eruptions in three weakness zones. These findings provide critical constraints for understanding Etna's origin and the geodynamic processes shaping eastern Sicily.

Branca, Stefano, Coltelli, Mauro, & Groppelli, Gianluca. (2011). Geological evolution of a complex basaltic stratovolcano: Mount Etna, Italy. Italian Journal of Geosciences, (Vol. 130, n. 3), 306–317. https://doi.org/10.3301/ijg.2011.13